Open House Perth: Peek inside Perth’s most beautiful and iconic homes

Ever wanted to take a peek inside some of Perth’s most beautiful and iconic homes? Well, now you can.

A bevy of Perth homeowners are throwing open their doors giving architectural enthusiasts, design buffs and stickybeaks the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look into their personal sanctuaries on November 11 and 12 as part of Open House Perth.

Open House Perth is a free annual event that allows the public into private homes and city buildings over one weekend.

Creative director Carly Barrett says this year’s Open House Perth line-up included a record 104 destinations, including 35 new additions to the schedule.

Barrett says the success of the Open House Perth phenomenon had been unprecedented, with 220,000 visits since it started in 2011.

“Every year the event presents new challenges and opportunities,” she says.

“This staggering success is due to the passion and enthusiasm of our team, volunteers, board and the amazing building owners who agree to showcase their properties in WA’s largest festival of design.

“Whether you like a particular building style doesn’t matter, because good design is something that transcends time and style.”

The weekend will feature rooftops, heritage buildings, residential masterpieces and skyscrapers offering the best views of Perth.

Interesting inclusions to the schedule include Anzac Cottage in Mount Hawthorn, which was once home to a wounded World War I soldier and his family in 1916 and Victoria Park’s dormant state heritage-listed Edward Millen House, which has hosted health services, including midwifery, repatriation of soldiers, psychiatric treatment and care for autistic children.

Also on show is former Prime Minister John Curtin’s family home in Cottesloe and “House A” – the first of three carbon neutral dwellings in Scarborough made from content concrete panels and whitewashed recycled brick.

The Open House initiative began in London back in 1992 as a small not-for-profit organisation founded by a number of architects hoping to promote the value of good design. Perth joined the revolution in 2011.

For more information: www.openhouseperth.net

Here’s a sneak peek of some outstanding homes:

1. CITY OF PERTH LIBRARY, CBD

2. STATE BUILDINGS, CBD

Photo: Angus Martin

3. NATURE INSPIRED ECO-HOUSE, PERTH

Photo: Dion Robeson

4. IWAN IWANOFF’S MADASCHI RESIDENCE

Known as the Madaschi Residence, this Iwan Iwanoff creation was constructed for then owners Gino and Lina Madaschi, an Italian couple seeking their “forever house” in 1970.

Bulgarian-born Iwanoff is known for his unique modernist architecture of the 1960s and 70s, with brutalist influences and the dramatic use of concrete blocks.

Much of his works, including this stand-out home, feature timber interiors and built-in cabinetry.

Iwanoff’s work is well loved and highly recognisable across Perth, with his architectural works of art peppered through the suburbs, including in Menora, City Beach, Karrinyup and Mount Lawley.

Open House Perth opening times: November 12, 10am-5pm.

5. DUKE HOUSE: 136a Duke Street, Scarborough

Stylist Ascher Smith and her partner Dylan are sharing the incredible transformation of their basic three bedroom villa into an iconic masterpiece as part of Open House Perth.

Now the couple’s home and studio for their business, Ascher Smith Exterior Styling and Landscaping, the pair embarked on an ambitious project to double the original 110sqm of floor space.

The seven-month project was completed in 2015, just weeks before their first child was born.

Open House Perth opening times: November 11, 10am-2pm and November 12, 10am-2pm.

6. ELLIOT ROAD, KARRINYUP

Photo: Jack Lovel

7. EDEN FLOREAT

Overlooking the iconic Perry Lakes reserve, this apartment development is the work of the team behind Botanical Subiaco.

The luxurious complex offers 1800sqm of premium resort-style amenities, including a health spa, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

There are also a range of leisure and entertainment spaces including private dining rooms and a wine cellar, a heated 25m swimming pool and cabanas with views over Perry Lakes.

A variety of apartments, ranging in size from one bedroom, one bathroom to luxury penthouses are on the market from $470,000 to $1.9 million.

Open House Perth opening times: November 11, 11am-3pm and November 12, 11am-3pm.